Level 2 - Sensory Exercise for Rehabilitation

A Focus on Integration of Posture and Breathing

From over 30 years of research in Space Science by Professor Carolyn Richardson, a new Therapeutic Exercise model has been developed which has significant implications for musculoskeletal health.

This course focuses on the rehabilitation of the Spinal Anti-Gravity (AG) Kinetic Chain i.e. the deep anti-gravity postural muscles forming the neutral spinal curves. The formation of the spinal curves most importantly, includes the postural muscles holding the head, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle.

These muscles work together to form a firm but flexible trunk which forms the basis of ‘Proximal Stability’ for whole body movement and protects the spine and proximal joints from injury.

Level 2 Prerequisites

The level 1 course has been completed (either online or face to face)

The participant is competent with using the GravityFit tools (Gravity Cap, TPro, TSensa and Core Awareness Belt)

The participant has access to the GravityFit tools and needs to bring to the Level 2 course

Course Inclusions

Online Level 1 course access for free

A 40% discount on price for the full Gravity Fit kit.

An overview of the sensory-motor (whole body) approach to therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation

Understanding the Posture and Breathing Synergy i.e. how posture and breathing are intricately linked to deep muscle form and function. More specifically how good posture stabilises the ribcage to support diaphragmatic breathing

Assessing the function of the deep postural muscle system including the diaphragm to ascertain the patients level of ‘proximal stability’

Several exercise techniques that can be used to activate and restore deep muscle form and function using a sensory-motor approach

Application of these techniques with a progression to Remedial exercise programs which give the pathway to Wellness, essential for the prevention of re-injury and the minimisation of pain cycles

One of the most important deep Anti-Gravity Postural muscles is the DIAPHRAGM. Thus this Rehabilitation course focuses on the link between ‘Posture and Breathing’.

Posture and Breathing Synergy

‘Breathing’ has always been emphasized by those who are interested in WELLBEING. Many health professionals focus on ‘relaxed breathing techniques’ combined with meditation (including Yoga exercises); Dalai Lama says ‘Breathing gives me inner strength’ [CNN 16-2-17]; Western Medicine has acknowledged the ‘role of breathing in well-being’.

Section 3 and 4 of this course will explain the ‘Breathing and Posture Synergy’ and provides a new assessment method to check if the synergy is working well. Section 5 provides a variety of Rehabilitation exercise techniques for those patients who failed the assessment.

Most importantly when the patient passes the Rehabilitation assessment of the ‘Breathing and Posture Synergy’ (green arrow), they can then proceed through Remedial exercises which provide the pathway to Lifestyle (wellness) exercises.

Three progressive Remedial exercise levels.

Remedial 1 – Wall Sitting: ~ 30% body weight

Remedial 2 - Wall Standing: with hip flexion ~ 60% body weight

Remedial 3 - Wall Standing: ~ 90% body weight

[Remedial 2 and 3 can be used as a ‘Remedial’ exercise class for clients prior to progressing to the ‘Basic Wellness’ exercise class].

Benefits of the Rehabilitation and the Pathway to Wellness

This new exercise model for bone and joint health leads the way for treatment to improve primary care for spinal pain and other musculoskeletal pain and disability, as well as pelvic floor and respiratory problems. Balance problems and falls prevention would also be addressed by the new exercise model.

In sports involving trunk rotation (e.g. golf, tennis, baseball) ‘muscle imbalances’ are formed with the gradual development of back pain, shoulder pain, stress fractures, and muscle strains. Even though ‘pain relief’ treatments are given, a return to high-performance levels cannot be achieved if deep Postural AG muscles have not been successfully rehabilitated.

With the focus on a pathway to wellness, these rehabilitation methods could reduce surgery intervention and importantly, limit the development of chronic pain.